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Kenya is well known for its high quality handmade goods, particularly traditional Kiondo bags
woven from sisal and decorated with intricate glass beadwork as well as natural, locally found
such as like cinnamon seeds.
These purses and bags were crafted by women who reside in Kibera Slum,
one of the largest slums in Eastern Africa. Located just outside Nairobi, Kibera is a
sprawling city of about 1.2 square miles with an estimated population of one million people.
Although "Kibera" means forest, there is no vegetation, and active train tracks run through the
heart of the slum. The typical home - in which an average of five people live - is a single room of about
100 square feet.
Basic services like water and sanitation are minimal and there is just one pit latrine for every 50 to 500 people.
Kenyan Beaded Purses and Bags
These bags are lined with cotton in the same color as the sisal. The bags are transformed into unique pieces through the beadwork, which will vary from bag to bag.
It's an updated approach to a traditional look. Bead colors will vary, but will always be coordinated.
Medium Zippered Handbag $84.00
CLEARANCE! NOW $67.00
BEAD:BAG-M-color
These medium sisal handbags are lined with cotton dyed to match the outer sisal, and are beaded all the way around.
They zip close and have a beaded pull tab.
Approximately 6" tall and 6-7" wide. Two 6" handles. |
$67.00
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Medium Round Drawstring Shoulder Bags $84.00
CLEARANCE! NOW $67.00
A similar size to the medium zippered bags, this sisal drawstring bag has a long strap
designed to hang from the shoulder. The round shape is well suited to the suede drawstring closure.
Fully lined with cotton, these bags are beaded all the way around. |
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BEAD:BAG-RND-Aqua
About 6" high; 5" diameter
3" high drawstring suede closure.
15" handle.
$67.00
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Extreme poverty and lack of jobs often leaves women few options other begging or prostitution to make a living.
With the income earned from making handbags, women can support themselves, improve the lives of their children and eventually make their way out of Kibera.
Our partner company, EDImports, had the pleasure of getting to know one such artisan, Monica,
who has been making handbags for several years. From her earnings, she's managed to send three of her
children to college.
Sisal Handbags / Totes with Cinnamon Seed Decorations
These woven sisal bags are practical and have tasteful decorations, which include cinnamon seeds.
See below for a closeup of one of the decorations. Since each bag is individually crafted, there will be
slight variations in bag sizing and design.
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Medium Sisal Tote $80.00
CLEARANCE! NOW $64.00
TOTE-S
Natural color, zippered closure, about 8" high plus a 4" handle, sturdy formed handle covered in soft suede.
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Large Sisal Tote $100.00
TOTE-L-color
Snap closure, inner pocket with Velcro closure, about 13" high plus an 8" braided cotton handle.
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Closeup of the sisal bag decorations,
which include cinnamon seeds. |
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Your Global Marketplace for Socially and Environmentally Responsible Gifts
One World Projects, Inc.  43 Ellicott Ave
Batavia, NY 14020
Tel: 585.343.4490
Fax: 585.344.3551
E-mail: sales@oneworldprojects.com
NEW! Gift Certificates for on-line purchases! A thoughtful gift any day, any time.
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Fairly Traded Gifts from Around the World
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One World Projects is a member of the Fair Trade Federation,
Coop America, Social Venture Network, and the
Aid to Artisan Trade Network.
We're committed to helping economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide in a environmentally beneficial manner. |
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